Poultry industry officials and government researchers will gather today and tomorrow in Des Moines to discuss next steps if the bird flu virus returns this fall or next spring. The virus resulted in the deaths of 48 million birds, decimating flocks in Iowa. IDOT is keeping an eye on Congress this week, to see what…… MORE
Des Moines Water Works has spent a record amount this year trying to keep nitrates out of the city’s drinking water. CEO Bill Stowe tells the Torch more than one-and-a-half million dollars has gone into nitrate removal so far this year. They haven’t figured out yet exactly how much more it will cost customers, but it’s…… MORE
The morning after posting a video outlining her plans to put America back into the renewable energy business and a fighter of climate change, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton toured the DART facility in downtown Des Moines today, further pushing her energy policies. “We’re all going to have to do our part, but…… MORE
Expect to see your water bills go up by at least ten percent each year, starting this spring…at least, if your water comes from Des Moines. Des Moines Water Works’ CEO says the rates still have to be approved by the utility’s board of directors, but the double-digit increase is anticipated with the costs of…… MORE
Des Moines Water Works customers can expect to see their bills go up by double digits this spring. Details are still in the works, and the budget still have to be approved by the utility’s board, but Water Works’ CEO says annual rate increases of more than ten percent are likely for the foreseeable future. …… MORE
A bird flu summit is slated for tomorrow in Des Moines with Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack, Governor Branstad, and businessmen and farmers connected to the poultry industries. One of the topics sure to come up is use of the bird flu vaccine that has been tested 100 percent effective in chickens. USDA’s Dr. David Swayne…… MORE
More than 300 people packed into the upper level ballroom of the Alumni Center at Iowa State University on Sunday afternoon to hear Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton speak about her new climate change and energy policies. Clinton has been touring central Iowa this weekend, attending several organizational meetings with supporters, as well as private…… MORE
The Americans with Disabilities Act gets a salute today at the Hoover Building near the Statehouse, as supporters celebrate the 25th anniversary of the measure. Today’s event starts at noon, with a walk to the State Supreme Court Building. A coalition of groups from Iowa, Illinois, North Dakota and South Dakota are speaking out against…… MORE
Iowa’s attorney general is joining 44 others in asking major phone companies to offer call-blocking technology for intrusive robocalls. The AGs say a new FCC rule clarification lets telecommunication service providers offer customers the ability to block unwanted calls.… MORE
The final question from the audience at Republican presidential candidate Carly Fiorina’s meet and greet in Marshalltown was prefaced by, “Now I know this is kind of a fluff question…” The elderly male voter then went on to ask Fiorina what she though of fellow contender Donald Trump’s position in the race and his membership…… MORE
